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Optimized design and experimental analysis of the vertical mixing plow for enhancing planosol improvement machine

Abstract Improved soil fertility to sustain crop productivity is important to enhance agroecosystem services. To address the low nutrient content, subsoil compaction, and poor root penetration in Planosol, a new machine was designed to improve these conditions. This machine integrates subsoil mixing and fertilizer application. The paper details the machine’s structure and working principle, focusing on optimizing the vertical mixing plow. Furthermore, discrete element method simulations were conducted, using tillage depth, forward speed, and plow height as factors, with soil mixing rate and tractive resistance serving as the evaluation indicators. Results showed optimal performance at 553 mm tillage depth, 1 m/s speed, and 227 mm plow height, with tractive resistance of 7460.5 N and a soil mixing rate of 72.1%. Field trials and soil improvement tests based on optimized parameters confirmed the accuracy and reliability of the simulation results. Compared to the Shallow plowing and subsoiling area, the subsoil mixing improvement area showed significant improvement, with a yield increase of 16.4–18.9% over two years.

Maternal mental health matters: Indicators for perinatal mental health—A scoping review

Perinatal mental health disorders are a significant contributor to morbidity and mortality in childbearing women. The World Health Organization recommends all women be screened for mental health disorders postnatally and have diagnostic and management services available. There are, however, currently no global indicators in use which measure the status and progress of perinatal mental health. The aim of this scoping review was to identify existing perinatal mental health indicators and propose a core set which could be used at a global level. We used the Global Perinatal Mental Health Theory of Change as the conceptual framework. We found 25 indicators for PMH aligned with the Global Perinatal Mental Health Theory of Change, which were condensed to form a core set of nine indicators These core indicators include the proportion of women with depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, psychosis, or adjustment disorders in the perinatal period; the proportion of women screened for these services; the proportion who have access to services following a positive diagnosis; and, the proportion of healthcare providers trained to provide mental health care. This review forms part of the foundational work for the development of a global monitoring framework which would be able to monitor progress towards the provision of universal high quality perinatal mental health care.

Unbiased picture of the ligand docking process for the hevein protein–oligosaccharide complex

Investigation of the canine elbow joint innervation in 100 joints

The canine elbow joint is innervated by four nerves: the musculocutaneous, median, radial, and ulnar nerves. There is little data in the veterinary literature examining the course of the articular branches of those nerves. There is also no agreement as to their anatomical location in the joint capsule nor to their number. The lack of such data prompted us to undertake studies to analyze the course of these nerves and the number and location of their articular branches in both left and right joint capsules in 50 dogs (with a total of 100 joints). No within-individual differences in the number of branches or their location were found between left and right joints. There was between-joint variation in the number of articular branches of the median, musculocutaneous, and radial nerves. There was also variation in the location of the branches of the median and radial nerves. Some of the results are different from those previously reported in the literature. The obtained data allow to further detail anatomical descriptions of the dog elbow innervation. Additionally, they may constitute the basis for developing new surgical procedures, improving existing procedures, or allow a better preparation for possible differences during operations of this joint.

Projecting the global potential distribution of nine Rhododendron Subgenus Hymenanthes species under different climate change scenarios

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory function of walnut green husk aqueous extract (WNGH-AE) on human hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HepG2) treated with t-BHP

Oxidative damage, oxidative inflammation, and a range of downstream diseases represent significant threats to human health. The application of natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents can help prevent and mitigate these associated diseases. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effectiveness of walnut green husk (WNGH) as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent in an in vitro setting. HepG2 cells were treated with tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP) to establish a cellular model of oxidative damage and inflammation. We assessed the biocompatibility of walnut green husk aqueous extract (WNGH-AE) on HepG2 cells using MTT and LDH assays (WNGH-AE concentration: 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.8, 1.6, 3.2, 6.4, and 12.8 mg/mL). Additionally, we measured intracellular oxidative stress indicators, such as ROS and 8-OHdG, along with inflammatory factors TNF-α and IL-1β through ELISA to evaluate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacity of WNGH-AE (concentration: 0.025, 0.05, 0.1 mg/mL) in HepG2 cells. We also determined the free radical scavenging capacity of various extracts of WNGH using DPPH and ·OH methods. The total phenols, total polysaccharides, and total flavonoids in WNGH-AE were analyzed using the Folin-Ciocalteu’s reagent, the phenol-sulfuric acid method, and the spectrophotometry, respectively. The bioactive components of WNGH-AE were analyzed using LC-MS/MS. Our results demonstrated that WNGH-AE was highly biocompatible with HepG2 cells. The antioxidant effect of WNGH-AE involved the scavenging of intracellular ROS, while its anti-inflammatory effect was linked to the down-regulation of the NF-κB pathway. Compared to other extractants (ethyl acetate, n-butanol, 75% ethanol, and petroleum ether), WNGH-AE exhibited the strongest free radical scavenging ability. Through LC-MS/MS analysis, we identified 403 compounds in WNGH-AE, with gentisic acid being the most abundant and possessing high antioxidant capacity, suggesting it may be a key active component contributing to the antioxidant activity of WNGH-AE. In conclusion, our findings indicate that WNGH-AE is a natural, high-quality antioxidant and anti-inflammatory biomaterial deserving further research and development, with significant potential applications in healthcare. (311 words)

Knowledge of gym goers on myths and truths in resistance training

Abstract Over the last decades, resistance training (RT) has experienced a surge in popularity, and compelling evidence underpins its beneficial effects on health, well-being, and performance. However, sports and exercise research findings may translate poorly into practice. This study investigated the knowledge of Austrian gym-goers regarding common myths and truths in RT. Based on topical systematic reviews (n = 45), a digital questionnaire with 14 statements on RT methods and practices, randomly phrased as myths or truths, was administered to Austrians exercising in local fitness centres. Chi-squared tests were used to check if a majority correctly identified true and false statements. A total of n = 721 (30.1 ± 14 years, 454 males) out of n = 790 contacted individuals completed the survey (response rate: 91.2 percent). Five out of fourteen statements (truth: protein augments strength and hypertrophy, creatine augments strength, superiority of full- vs. partial-ROM RT for hypertrophy; myth: RT reduces flexibility, low-load, high-volume RT is as effective as high-load RT with regard to maximal strength) were identified correctly by a majority (p < .01). The awareness of the scientific evidence on RT is low among gym-goers. Upcoming studies should be geared to improve science communication.

A comprehensive outline of antimicrobial resistance, antibiotic prescribing, and antimicrobial stewardship in South Africa: A scoping review protocol

Introduction The global prevalence of antimicrobial resistance transcends geographical and economic boundaries, affecting populations worldwide. Excessive and incorrect use of antibiotics encourages antimicrobial resistance which leads to complex treatment strategies for infectious diseases and possible failure of treatment. The incorrect and unnecessary prescribing of antibiotics places a burden on healthcare costs and thus, antimicrobial resistance is evident globally as a major public health concern. The impact is particularly pronounced in low to middle-income countries, where limited access to healthcare exacerbates the crisis. This scoping review aims to comprehensively map the evidence of antimicrobial resistance in healthcare settings, encompassing the exploration of antibiotic prescribing practices and the implementation of antimicrobial stewardship initiatives in South Africa. Methodology This protocol has been registered in the Open Science Framework (https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/PWMFB). This review will consider all types of study designs, conducted within South Africa. Studies that are published in English for the period 2019–2024, and that explore antimicrobial resistance (AMR) evidence in healthcare in South Africa, including antibiotic prescribing trends and antimicrobial stewardship and surveillance initiatives will be included. Non-English publications, studies outside of South Africa, animal and environmental studies will be excluded. The criteria for the scoping review will be set by two reviewers. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) tool will be used. Studies will be identified through an extensive search of peer-reviewed and grey literature databases. The results of the review will be tabulated and include a narrative synthesis of the findings.

Unraveling the interactive effect of opaque2 and waxy1 genes on kernel nutritional qualities and physical properties in maize (Zea mays L.)

Generalized functional varying-index coefficient model for dynamic synergistic gene-environment interactions with binary longitudinal traits

The genetic basis of complex traits involves the function of many genes with small effects as well as complex gene-gene and gene-environment interactions. As one of the major players in complex diseases, the role of gene-environment interactions has been increasingly recognized. Motivated by epidemiology studies to evaluate the joint effect of environmental mixtures, we developed a functional varying-index coefficient model (FVICM) to assess the combined effect of environmental mixtures and their interactions with genes, under a longitudinal design with quantitative traits. Built upon the previous work, we extend the FVICM model to accommodate binary longitudinal traits through the development of a generalized functional varying-index coefficient model (gFVICM). This model examines how the genetic effects on a disease trait are nonlinearly influenced by a combination of environmental factors. We derive an estimation procedure for the varying-index coefficient functions using quadratic inference functions combined with penalized splines. A hypothesis testing procedure is proposed to evaluate the significance of the nonparametric index functions. Extensive Monte Carlo simulations are conducted to evaluate the performance of the method under finite samples. The utility of the method is further demonstrated through a case study with a pain sensitivity dataset. SNPs were found to have their effects on blood pressure nonlinearly influenced by a combination of environmental factors.

Publisher Correction: The disappearing COVID-Naïve Population and comparative Roche vs. Abbott Test sensitivity: evidence from antibody seroprevalence in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin

Patterns of self-harm presentations at a Tertiary Urban Hospital in Kenya: A retrospective 5-year study (2018–2022)

Introduction Self-harm represents a complex and multifaceted public health issue of global significance, exerting profound effects on individuals and communities alike. It involves intentional self-poisoning or self-injury with or without the motivation to die. Although self-harm is highly prevalent, limited research has focused on the patterns and trends of self-harm among hospital populations in low- and middle-income countries, particularly within Africa. This study aims to explore the socio-demographic and clinical profile of patients presenting with self-harm and determine the common self-harm patterns at a tertiary facility in Kenya. Methodology We carried out a descriptive retrospective study and included patients from inpatient units and outpatient settings within the Secion of Psychiatry at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi from January 1st 2018 to December 31st 2022. A data abstraction tool was used to collect data from eligible files sourced from the medical records department for all patients who met the study criteria. Summary statistics were reported as frequencies and percentages for categorical data and as means and standard deviations for continuous data. Results A total of 507 files were reviewed in the given timeframe and 497 patients were included in the analysis. Of these patients, 28.1% (n = 144) presented with self-harm. The mean age of the self-harm patients was 26.5 years (SD = 10.5) and a majority (74.3%) were female. The first point-of-contact was at the emergency department in 72.9% of the cases. A majority of them, i.e. 89.6%, reported a past psychiatric diagnosis. Based on the psychiatric diagnosis evaluation of the patients- depression was the most common diagnosis at 88.2%, followed by anxiety disorder at 27.8% and bipolar mood disorder at 17.4%. The majority of reported self-harm cases involved overdose incidents (68.8%), with self-injury accounting for 56.3% of cases. Analgesics were the most frequently reported type of overdose, followed by tricyclic antidepressants. In context of self-injury, cutting emerged as the predominant form of self-harm. Family conflict was reported to be the most common reason for self-harm at 39.6%. Conclusion This study shows a high rate of self-harm among patients with mental illness in this facility, necessitating the development of self-harm prevention and management protocols. A national registry of self-harm behavior would also help further elucidate the occurrence and mechanisms of self-harm in the population, improving the possibility for early interventions and prevention.

State switch control of magnetically suspended flywheel energy storage system in uninterrupted power supply system

Identification and validation of key autophagy-related genes in lupus nephritis by bioinformatics and machine learning

Introduction Lupus nephritis (LN) is one of the most frequent and serious organic manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Autophagy, a new form of programmed cell death, has been implicated in a variety of renal diseases, but the relationship between autophagy and LN remains unelucidated. Methods We analyzed differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in kidney tissues from 14 LN patients and 7 normal controls using the GSE112943 dataset. Key modules and their contained genes were identified utilizing weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). Differentially expressed autophagy-related genes (DE-ARGs) among DEGs, key module genes and autophagy-related genes (ARGs) were obtained by venn plot, and subjected to protein-protein interaction network construction. Two machine learning methods were applied to identify signature genes. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves was used to assess the accuracy of the signature genes. We also analyzed immune cell infiltration in LN. Additionally, the association between key genes and kidney diseases was predicted. Finally, key genes expression in kidney was verified by clinical samples and animal experiments. Results A total of 10304 DEGs were identified in GSE1129943 and 29 modules were identified in WGCNA. Among them, the brown module and coral 2 module exhibited significant correlation with LN (cor = 0.86, -0.84, p<0.001). Machine learning techniques identified 5 signature genes, but only 2 were validated in the external dataset GSE32591, namely MAP1LC3B (AUC = 0.920) and TNFSF10 (AUC = 0.937), which are involved in autophagy and apoptosis. Immune infiltration analysis suggested that these key genes may be associated with immune cell infiltration in LN. In addition, these genes have been linked to a variety of renal diseases, and their expression was verified in kidney tissues in LN patients and lupus mice. Conclusion MAP1LC3B and TNFSF10 may be key autophagy-related genes in LN. These key genes have the potential to provide new insights into the molecular diagnosis and treatment of LN.

Alleviating symptoms of paediatric acute rhinosinusitis and acute otitis media with otorrhea using nasal-spraying Bacillus probiotics: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract Acute rhinosinusitis (ARS) in children may be accompanied by acute otitis media (AOM) which is often associated with bacterial co-infections. These conditions are among the primary reasons that children visit hospitals and require antibiotic treatment. This study evaluated the efficacy of the nasal-spraying probiotics (LiveSpo Navax containing 5 billion Bacillus subtilis and B. clausii spores/5 mL) as a supportive treatment for dual ARS and AOM with otorrhea in a randomized, single-blind, controlled clinical trial. Eighty-two patients (41 per group), aged 1 month to 12 years, received standard care along with nasal spraying of either physiological saline (Control group) or LiveSpo Navax (Navax group), administered three times daily over a 7-day follow-up period. A total of sixty-one patients (30–31 per group) completed the trial. The Navax group experienced 68.00% and 96.77% reductions in nasal congestion (by day 3) and rhinorrhea (by day 7), respectively, which were 2.04 and 1.94-fold higher than the Control group, with odds ratios (OR) of 4.31 and 30.00 (p < 0.05). Endoscopic results indicated 8% and 11% higher reductions in nasal mucopurulent discharge and tympanic membrane hyperemia in the Navax group compared to the Control group. By day 3, compared to day 0, the Navax group exhibited > 1200-fold reduction in Streptococcus pneumoniae and ≥ 4-fold reduction in Haemophilus influenzae concentrations (p < 0.05) in both nasopharyngeal and middle ear fluid samples, whereas the Control group showed no significant reductions. Navax treatment reduced IL-6 by 1.35- to 1.74-fold and TNF-α by 1.17- to 1.45-fold, more effectively than the Control group (p < 0.05). These results suggest that nasal-spray Bacillus spore probiotics, with their ability to reduce bacterial load and modulate immune responses, provide a cost-effective and safe solution for alleviating symptoms of both ARS and AOM in children. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, Identifier NCT05804123 on April 7, 2023.

Enhanced silk production and pupal weight in Bombyx mori through CRISPR/Cas9-mediated circadian Clock gene disruption

The domesticated silkworm, Bombyx mori, is crucial for global silk production, which is a significant economic activity supporting millions of livelihoods worldwide. Beyond traditional silk production, the growing demand for insect larvae in cosmetics, biomedical products, and animal feed underscores the need to enhance B. mori productivity. This study investigates the role of the circadian clock gene Clock in B. mori using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated mutagenesis to establish the ClkΔ29 knock-out mutant strain. Dysregulation of the circadian clock in ClkΔ29 was demonstrated by altered temporal transcriptional profiles of core circadian clock genes in adult heads and disrupted circadian-controlled behaviors, including adult eclosion and egg hatching rhythms under constant darkness. By analysing larval development timing, as well as the weights of late instar larvae, pupae, and cocoon components in ClkΔ29 mutants and in ClkΔ1922 silkworms (carrying an independently generated Clk- null allele), we showed that CLK contributes to physiological processes regulating B. mori development and growth. Importantly, ClkΔ29 mutants reared on a standard sericulture diet exhibited significant increases in key economic traits, with silk production increasing by up to 7%, and pupal weight increasing by up to 25% compared to wild-type controls. This study highlights the potential of circadian clock gene manipulation to significantly enhance sericultural productivity. Future research should focus on elucidating the molecular mechanisms driving these phenotypes and determining whether they result from circadian clock functions or pleiotropic effects of B. mori Clk. These findings provide a foundation for advancing sustainable sericulture and developing new commercial applications for silkworm-derived products.

Metacognitive strategies improve self-regulation skills in expert sports coaches

A study of Chinese enterprises’ business models to determine the impact of dynamic capabilities on innovation and performance

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can gain a competitive advantage by implementing business model innovation (BMI), which is characterized as irreversible changes to a company’s business model. However, BMI is often associated with high risk, uncertainty, and ambiguity. In this study, the effectiveness of BMI on improving SME performance is examined using structural equation modeling (SEM) based on data collected from 330 Chinese SMEs. The purpose of this paper is to examine how enterprise risk management (ERM), organizational agility (OA), and entrepreneurial orientation (EO) affect SME performance. The results reveal that ERM, OA, and EO all have a positive impact on efficiency-centered BMI and SME performance; efficiency-centered BMI mediates this pathway. Building on dynamic capabilities theory, this paper combines ERM, OA, and EO into one framework to assess their impact on SME performance. Additionally, a case study is presented to provide suggestions for making decisions about BMI implementation.

Multi task opinion enhanced hybrid BERT model for mental health analysis

Comparative analysis of developmental outcomes in very preterm infants: BSID-II versus Bayley-III German norms

Introduction After the release of the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, third edition (Bayley-III), US norms, an overestimation of outcome was observed. But, the conformity between the Bayley Scales of Infant Development, second edition (BSID-II), and the Bayley-III German norms is unknown. This retrospective analysis aimed to compare outcomes of very preterm infants tested with BSID-II and Bayley-III German norms. Methods Infants born from November 2007 to July 2018 were included. Exclusion criteria were death or missing outcome. Infants underwent testing with either BSID-II until December 2013 or Bayley-III from January 2014 onward, at 12 and/or 24 months. BSID-II Mental Developmental Index (MDI) was compared to Bayley-III cognitive score and a combined Bayley-Score (CB-III) consisting of the cognitive and language composite score. BSID-II Psychomotor Developmental Index (PDI) was compared to Bayley-III motor composite score. Abnormal outcomes were defined as scores <85 (delay) or <70 (impairment). Results 649 infants were included. At 12 months, the Bayley-III cohort achieved higher scores in all domains compared to the BSID-II cohort (all p<0.05), with lower rates of motor delay in the Bayley-III cohort (p<0.001). At 24 months, only Bayley-III motor composite scores were higher than the BSID-II PDI (p<0.001). Rates of cognitive impairment were higher in the Bayley-III cohort (p = 0.013). Interpretation Our findings indicate that the Bayley-III German norms effectively identify children needing interventions, particularly at 24 months corrected age. This supports both clinical application and scientific comparability with the BSID-II.